Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 17:45, UK Time, Thursday, TNT Sports
- UEFA Cup, Round of 32 second leg, Stuttgart win 4-2 in aggregate (Celtic lost home leg 4-1)
- Out of Europe, End of European competition.
- First ever win for Celtic in Germany! Only 1 defeat in 6 away European games this season
- Viljami Sinisalo’s first career appearance in a UEFA club competition. A tough assignment but also a chance to stake a claim for the Celtic jersey with so much noise around Kasper Schmeichel.
- Stuttgart goal ruled offside after a bizarre situation with an injured player allowed to run on from an advantageous position. Got them the goal with offside getting the referee off the hook. The offside lines suggest Ermedin Demirovic is on, even though the fourth official probably shouldn’t have let him back into play like that. It just didn’t seem sporting, allowing a player to get on the ball behind the backs of the Celtic defence.
- McCowan became the first Scottish player to score in the opening minute of a game since McClair did for Manchester United in 1991. He is the latest Celtic player to do this, with the likes of Hood, Dalglish and William Wallace all managing to do so.
- Injured Celtic and Canada right-back Alistair Johnston attended Sunday’s ice hockey final at the Winter Olympics in Italy as his home country’s side lost 2-1 to the United States.
- Celtic ranks among top four most profitable clubs on the continent, according to a recent UEFA report. The latest European Club Finance & Investment Landscape report confirmed Celtic recorded a pre-tax profit of €54m for 2025. Only Lille, Crystal Palace & Atalanta posted higher.
- Finance: Businessman Willie Haughey in the final stages of launching the The Celtic Season Ticket Alliance. The one time Director made the announcement on the Go Radio Football Show tonight in the build up to the Europa League tie with Stuttgart.
- Intls: Ireland’s home Nations League fixture against Israel on 4 Oct will be played at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, FAI confirmed.
- Cvancara says he believes Celtic have it in them to finish the season with a flourish.
- Reports:
- Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou admits he can’t avoid Celtic speculation with noise getting louder
- Feyenoord are the only club frequently monitoring Chivas striker Armando Gonzalez despite reported interest from Celtic, Barcelona and West Ham United
- Sweden head coach Graham Potter is set to be considered as a potential option for Celtic’s next permanent appointment, but the 50-year-old Englishman is an outsider for the role
- Former Celtic youth coach Darren O’Dea disclosed he wanted to sign Dylan Reid for Celtic before the 20-year-old midfielder left St Mirren to join Crystal Palace Under-21s, but he says the board refused despite backing from then manager Ange Postecoglou.
- Celtic willing to consider big offer for Benjamin Nygren this summer amid increasing interest from EPL clubs.
- Celtic leading the pack of clubs following Plymouth Argyle’s prolific Lorent Tolaj and his strike partner Bim Pepple.
- Polish club Lech Poznan are willing to pay a £4m fee to sign on-loan Celtic winger Luis Palma – if they can sell him on immediately for £2-3m more.
Summary
“Of course, I’ll miss it until they are putting a brown lid on top of me. I’m in dreamland just to get the opportunity again.”
Martin O’Neill Asked if he will miss European football if this is to be his last such experience
“We’ve created this situation for ourselves by progressing in European football. At the end of it all, that’s what you want to do.European football is what big clubs in Scotland should be aiming, not for the coefficient points to be dropping out of sight. It’s ridiculous. This is what it’s all about.”
MoN
“The first leg got away from us and we gave away some soft goals, but tonight was a brilliant backs-to-the-wall performance. “We still had chances in the game, and almost gave them a nervy few minutes for what I consider a very good team, a team capable of winning this competition. “[Sinisalo] played brilliantly in the game, really well. That’s the name all round the dressing room. He’s got plenty of talent. “Tonight, we made some changes. Some enforced, players stepped up to the plate but we didn’t throw in two 16-year-olds… these boys have played in the team and have shown they’re capable of winning games. “It wouldn’t be a headache… A selection choice. To go back tonight, it was terrific.”
MoN
“Naturally I’m delighted with the effort and determination they put into the game. We got off to a really great start, and we felt if we didn’t concede in the first 20 minutes and nicked a goal, we were still in the tie. “We were playing a very good side, a side capable of winning the competition. I couldn’t be more pleased with the team, their attitude and desire. “We were getting very tired towards the end of the game, but that was understandable after the effort they put in. “Naturally, it’s a different game [on Sunday]. We don’t have much time to get ready for it but we’ll go again. We’re staying overnight here, we’ll travel back tomorrow. The result is in the lap of the gods but I genuinely think the players deserve an enormous amount of credit here. “It’s not as if we played some 16-year-olds. The players have all played, but some have played less than others in recent times. I thought everybody came out with flying colours. “Maybe it is a headache. I thought Sinisalo did really well and I’m delighted for him, he’s a lovely lad. He did great, as did everybody. It gives me food for thought. “I miss the game, I’ve always missed it. In many aspects, I’m in dreamland really to be given the opportunity to manage this side. A first win on German soil is nice, but bittersweet because the tie was tough for us.”
MoN
“The captain [Callum McGregor] is always inspiring us with his words in the huddle. We knew we had to start quick and I just wish we could have pushed on, in the first half especially, to get a second one. “Just that finale edge was what we were missing. “It was just about doing ourselves proud. Even the last game we played, we didn’t do that. We stepped into a game like this, on the biggest stage, and the message was to do yourselves and your family proud. “Regardless of whether you’re playing or not, you’ve got to have the hunger to go and help your team. “Celtic have been so amazing for the last few years because the consistency level is abnormally high, and now we expect that from ourselves. “When I get given a chance, I’ve got to try and take it. I started well and I need to keep pushing to get myself in for the bigger games, and keep myself mentally right.”
Luke McCowan
“I watched him when I was younger and he was one of the goalies I idolised when I grew up. “He’s been brilliant with me and we’ve got a great working relationship, always have done. I’m there to help him and he’s there to help me. “I do want to play, everyone does. That’s what football is and how it should be. The more chances you have the better, and I’m glad I got my chance today. Whatever follows is not up to me. “It’s another game coming up. If the manager decides to put me in, great, I’m ready for it. That’s not my decision. I can only go out there and play my best.”
Sinisalo
joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki: If anything, this was one of the biggest shock results in a season of shock results for Celtic! Every Celtic fan expected a shellacking in this matchk, and with a mostly second string side sent out, it was expected to be a huge night for humilation. However, McCown scored within the first minute of the match to help Celtic win for their first time ever in Germany. Bittersweet moment as Celtic still went out of Europe, but a moment still to savour for McCowan. Stuttgart had a two goals ruled out for offside, one in bizarre fashion with an injured player allowed to run on from an advantageous position. Got them the goal with offside getting the referee off the hook. The offside lines suggest Ermedin Demirovic is on, even though the fourth official probably shouldn’t have let him back into play like that. It just didn’t seem sporting, allowing a player to get on the ball behind the backs of the Celtic defence.
Anyhow, Celtic won but the cheers were mostly muted but gave the side a fillup after a humilating 2-1 defeat v Hibs in the last match and having to face Sevco at Ibrox on Sunday coming.
Bittersweet moment tonight. Likely MoN’s last ever game on the frontline in Europe, but what a lovely way for him to end it with creating history with a 1-0 win in Germany…. Celtic’s first victory in the UEFA Competitions in Germany.
Italiabhoy:
Positives for me:
McCowan – lovely goal, nice positive passing
Yang – aggressive and tricky
Sarracchi – very quick and brave on the ball.
Ineacho – didn’t do much when he came on, but has a presence and I think is a more intelligent player than Cvancvara.
Adamu – looked decent: physical and direct.
Don’t want to get carried away, but bottle some of that spirit and organisation and we might still get something from this season.
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation:
4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
12, V. Sinisalo
36, M. Saracchi
06, A. Trusty
47, D. Murray
51, C. Donovan,45′, Yellow Card at 45 mins, subbed for A. Ralston at 55 mins
41, R. Hatate, subbed for K. Ịheanachọ at 78 mins
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain
38, D. Maeda
14, L. McCowan, subbed for S. Tounekti at 68 mins
13, Yang Hyun-Jun, subbed for B. Nygren at 68 mins
09, J. Adamu, subbed for T. Čvančara at 55 mins
Subs:
49, J. Forrest
28, Paulo Bernardo
52, T. Hatton
50, S. McArdle
08, B. Nygren
56, A. Ralston
05, L. Scales
01, K. Schmeichel
63, K. Tierney
23, S. Tounekti
11, T. Čvančara
17, K. Ịheanachọ
Goals:
L. McCowan (1′)
Assists:
J. Adamu (1′)
Stuttgart
Manager: Sebastian Hoeneß
Formation:
4 – 4 – 1 – 1
Starting lineup
33, A. Nübel
07, M. Mittelstädt
14, L. Jaquez, subbed for R. Hendriks at 72 mins
29, F. Jeltsch
04, J. Vagnoman
18, J. Leweling, subbed for C. Führich at 46 mins
30, Chema Andrés, subbed for A. Stiller at 64 mins
16, A. Karazor (c), Captain
27, B. Bouanani, subbed for B. El Khannouss at 85 mins
26, D. Undav
08, Tiago Tomás, subbed for E. Demirović at 64 mins
Subs:
02, A. Al Dakhil
22, L. Assignon
01, F. Bredlow
09, E. Demirović
11, B. El Khannouss
10, C. Führich
44, F. Hellstern
03, R. Hendriks
28, N. Nartey
06, A. Stiller
35, M. Ćatović
Referee: Irfan Peljto
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrisimbegovic
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo
Fourth Official: Milos Gigovic
Assistant VAR Official: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández
Att:
Venue:MHPArena
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Basic Stats
Overall possession
Stuttgart 65.7%
Celtic 34.3%
Shots
Stuttgart 24
Celtic 3
Shots on target
Stuttgart 8
Celtic 2
Total touches inside the opposition box
Stuttgart 49
Celtic 14
VFB
CEL
Goalkeeper saves
Stuttgart 1
Celtic 6
Aerial duels won
Stuttgart 11
Celtic 20
Fouls committed
Stuttgart 6
Celtic 13
Corners
Stuttgart 13
Celtic 7
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Stuttgart 24
Celtic 3
Shots on target
Stuttgart 8
Celtic 2
Shots off target
Stuttgart 6
Celtic 1
Attempts out of box
Stuttgart 9
Celtic 1
Total offsides
Stuttgart 6
Celtic 2
Distribution
Total passes
Stuttgart 600
Celtic 312
Pass accuracy %
Stuttgart 87
Celtic 77.9
Backward passes
Stuttgart 118
Celtic 52
Forward passes
Stuttgart 172
Celtic 121
Total long balls
Stuttgart 69
Celtic 50
Successful final third passes
Stuttgart 161
Celtic 48
Total crosses
Stuttgart 32
Celtic 14
Defence
Total tackles
Stuttgart 10
Celtic 17
Won tackle %
Stuttgart 50
Celtic 58.8
Fouls committed
Stuttgart 6
Celtic 13
Total yellow cards
Stuttgart 0
Celtic 1
Total clearances
Stuttgart 16
Celtic 41
Clearances off the line
Stuttgart 0
Celtic 2
Pre Match Facts
Stuttgart have never lost a home major European match against a Scottish side (W4 D2), winning 3-2 against Celtic in February 2 0 03 after coming from 2- 0 down.
Celtic have never won an away European match in Germany in 16 attempts (D4 L12), though they did draw 1-1 with Bayern Munich in their most recent trip in February 2 025 in a UEFA Champions League match.
Stuttgart have won each of their last four home major European matches – however, they are winless in their last seven on home soil in the knockout stages (D3 L4) since a 2- 0 win over Domzale in the UEFA Cup in September 2 0 05.
Celtic have won one of their last 17 away major European matches (D6 L1 0) while in the knockout stages they’re winless in 12 (D3 L9) since a 1- 0 win at Boavista in April 2 0 03 during Martin O’Neill’s first spell in charge.
In the first leg, Bilal El Khannouss (21y 285d) became the youngest Stuttgart player to score more than once in a game in major European competition since Mario Gomez against Rapid Bucuresti in the UEFA Cup in December 2 0 05 (2 0y 157d).
Articles
Celtic vacate Europe with some pride as several players put hands up for Rangers amid Callum McGregor scare
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtic-vacate-europe-with-some-pride-as-several-players-put-hands-up-for-rangers-amid-callum-mcgregor-scare-5613573
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
0Comments
Published 26th Feb 2026, 19:59 GMT
Surprise Europa League win in Stuttgart is not enough – now it’s over to Ibrox
Celtic were left with a near-impossible task on turning the tables on VfB Stuttgart in the second leg of their Europa League play-off – but the Scottish champions depart the continental stage with some salvaged pride.
A week on from being humbled 4-1 by the German outfit at Celtic Park, Martin O’Neill’s posted a surprise 1-0 win at the MHPArena. Most had been expecting another cosy victory for the side sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, but the visitors made this a competitive affair literally from the word go.
Luke McCowan’s opening goal 29 seconds in the match raised previously unfathomable hopes of a historic comeback for Celtic. O’Neill had made eight changes to his starting XI – clearly with an eye on Sunday’s Premiership game against Rangers at Ibrox – and with the shackles and pressure largely off their shoulders, they put in one of their most admirable performances of the season.
Ultimately it was not enough. The damage had been done a week ago in Glasgow when Celtic collapsed in the first leg. The 22-year wait for progressing from a European knock-out tie after Christmas goes on.
O’Neill was in charge of the last one, against Barcelona in the 2003/04 campaign. He also presided over a two-legged triumph against Stuttgart en route to the 2003 UEFA Cup final. We are a long way from those heady days for Celtic.
Perhaps being out of Europe will assist Celtic in their quest to retain their Scottish title. Sitting third behind leaders Hearts and Rangers, Sunday’s defeat by Hibs at a mutinous Parkhead has left so little margin for error in the league. In the cold light of day, two more fixtures to an already chock-a-block schedule may not have been welcomed when so much work needs to be done.
Celtic seemed to relish being away from the venomous environs of Celtic Park. Five of their next six matches are on the road, the first of which is in Govan. A similar show of fortitude will be required against Rangers if they are to emerge with a positive result.
O’Neill has been given a little food for thought by some of the reserves brought in for an unenviable fight in Stuttgart. With centre-half Auston Trusty suspended for the next three domestic matches, who partners Liam Scales in the centre of defence against Rangers will be debated right up until the team lines are submitted on Sunday morning.
Celtic chances for Murray and Sinisalo
Dane Murray was handed a rare start alongside Trusty, but the 22-year-old fared pretty well up against the threatening Stuttgart attack. O’Neill’s other options are Brentford loanee Benjamin Arthur, who has one substitute appearance to his name, or Kieran Tierney being moved in from left-back. While Arthur, 20, is understood to be highly regarded by his parent club, Murray has more experience and did his cause no harm whatsoever with this display in Germany.
There was also a change in goal. Viljami Sinisalo started in place of the much-criticised Kasper Schmeichel. O’Neill said pre-match that it was always the plan for the 24-year-old Finn to play ahead of the 39-year-old Dane, but after a mainly assured performance from Sinisalo and four very good saves, some will argue he should remain in post.
This was a rare recent clean sheet for Celtic and while Schmeichel’s experience and leadership qualities are clearly valued by O’Neill, keeping the ball out of the net remains the priority for a goalkeeper. Especially at Ibrox against Rangers. Sinisalo showed aptitude with some smart reflex saves from the type of shots Schmeichel has watched fly past him.
Further up the pitch, goalscorer midfielder McCowan also threw his hat into the ring. The midfielder broke beyond the forward line to receive Junior Adamu’s pass and he stroked the ball first time past Stuttgart goalkeeper Alex Nubel. McCowan played well throughout and was withdrawn early in the second half.
His goal spooked their hosts, who had to refocus sharply to avoid really letting Celtic back into the tie. The first half was a closely-fought affair, both sides attacking smartly. Wide forward Daizen Maeda’s pace was an outlet for the visitors; the hosts ploughed their left-hand side through their dangerous winger Jamie Lewelling. As it was, no further goals came in the first half.
Stuttgart largely dominated the second half but Sinisalo and Co stood firm. There were two disallowed goals owing to offsides. Chris Fuhrich’s effort was clear, but the second from Dennis Undav on 77 minutes was extremely close, given for a fractional infringement by Ermedin Demirovic in the build-up.
Celtic deserved such lady luck for their endeavours. The back four of Colby Donovan, Marcelo Saracchi, Trusty and Murray put in plenty of blocks and won their duels. In midfield, Callum McGregor played the whole game but will have given the Celtic fans cause for concern when he was left writhing on the pitch after a strong tackle. Fortunately for them, he recovered. Next to him, Reo Hatate put in a cultured display that has too often been lacking from the previously consistent Japanese this term.
Right on the 90-minute mark, substitute Sebastian Tounekti passed up a presentable chance to set up a barnstorming finish when he finished tamely from inside the penalty box after being set up by Kelechi Iheanacho. It was a reminder that when it really matters, Celtic have not had enough quality against reasonable European opponents this season.
Nevertheless, this was Celtic’s first-ever competitive win away to German opponents. This was a performance that may raise spirits among a fractured, fractious fanbase that Celtic can end their domestic campaign on a positive note. Now it’s on to Ibrox.
Celts record first win in Germany with battling performance
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/26/Celts-record-first-win-in-Germany-with-battling-performance/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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26 Feb 2026, 7:51 pm
UEFA Europa League
Play-off second leg
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Neckarstadion, Stuttgart
VfB STUTTGART…0
CELTIC…1
(McCowan 28 secs)
Aggregate: 2-4
Celtic are out of the Europa League after losing 4-2 on aggregate to Stuttgart, though a very early goal from Luke McCowan gave the Celts a 1-0 victory against the Bundesliga side in Germany tonight.
The Hoops could not have dreamt of a better start in the MHP Arena where, with less than a minute gone, Martin O’Neill’s men took the lead.
Callum McGregor fed the ball to Yang on the right wing, who in turn found Junior Adamu. The striker was alert to Luke McCowan’s run and he slipped the ball to the midfielder who produced a wonderful finish in to the bottom corner to make it 1-0.
It could have been 2-0 a few minutes later when the Celts got in behind the home side’s defence and Colby Donovan sent a tempting ball across the face of goal for Daizen Maeda, but the Japanese forward failed to get a touch on the ball to send it goalwards.
The Bundesliga side went close to equalising with 15 minutes of the match played when Badredine Bouanani sent a low shot towards goal, but Viljami Sinisalo was equal to it and was able to push it wide with a good save.
The home side continued to press forward and began to create a number of chances which required some well-timed interventions from the Celtic backline, with every man in black and green working hard for the cause.
As the first half progressed towards half time, Stuttgart were in control of the possession stats, but for as much as they were enjoying time on the ball, Celtic looked dangerous whenever an opportunity to press forward presented itself.
Just before the break, Auston Trusty and Callum McGregor produced good blocks in the six-yard box to deny Tiago Tomás from finding an equaliser, with Martin O’Neill’s men going in at the break with the lead on the night, but two goals behind on aggregate.
66%
Possession
34%
24
Shots
3
8
Shots On Target
2
13
Corners
7
6
Fouls
13
0
0
Cards
1
0
Stuttgart made a change at the break bringing Chris Führich on for Jamie Leweling, and within seconds of the restart, Führich went tearing down the left wing and flashed a ball across the face of ball for Bouanani, whose shot from a few yards out was deflected wide of the target.
Celtic responded with a similar attack moments later, with Yang using his pace to fashion a crossing opportunity, but the home side’s keeper was able to hold on to the ball.
With 10 minutes of the second half gone, Martin O’Neill made his first changes bringing Tomas Cvancara and Anthony Ralston on for Junior Adamu and Colby Donovan.
Vil Sinisalo produced a brilliant save just after the hour mark, again denying Bouanani, though this time the Finnish keeper had to be extra agile to keep the effort out, which he duly did.
Führich thought he had levelled the match when he sent a curling effort in to the bottom corner but the linesman’s flag cut the home side’s celebrations short.
Just 10 minutes later a VAR intervention cancelled out another goal for the home side for an offside in the build-up, this time the finish coming from Deniz Undav.
Sinisalo was busy throughout the second half but, minus the goals which were ruled out, he was equal to everything that came his way, including a powerful close-range effort from Führich with five minutes to go.
Even with time running out on Celtic’s European campaign, Martin O’Neill’s men continued to hunt for another goal which was almost delivered by Sebastian Tounekti, who had linked up well with Kelechi Iheanacho. Both men had been brought on as substitutes in the second half.
The final whistle brought an end to Celtic’s Europa League campaign, with Stuttgart winning 4-2 on aggregate, but Martin O’Neill and his players can leave Germany with their heads held high after their 1-0 victory at the MHP Arena.
Attentions now turn to Sunday, when a trip to Ibrox for the Glasgow derby awaits.
VfB Stuttgart: Nübel, Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Jaquez (Hendriks 72′), Mittelstädt, Bouanani (El Khannouss 85′), Karazor, Chema Andres (Stiller 64′), Leweling (Führich 45′), Undav, Tiago Tomás (Demirovic 64′)
Subs: Bredlow, Al Dakhil, Hendriks, Stiller, Demirovic, Führich, El Khannouss, Assignon, Nartey, Catovic, Hellstern
Celtic: Sinisalo, Donovan (Ralston 55′), Murray, Trusty, Saracchi, McGregor, Hatate (Iheanacho 78′), Hyunjun Yang (Nygren 68′), McCowan (Tounekti 68′), Maeda, Adamu (Čvančara 55′)
Subs: Schmeichel, Scales, Nygren, Čvančara, Iheanacho, Tounekti, Paulo Bernardo, Forrest, McArdle, Hatton, Ralston, Tierney
Luke McCowan: Team put in an incredible performance
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/26/luke-mccowan–team-put-in-an-incredible-performance/
First Team
By Joe Sullivan
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26 Feb 2026, 8:31 pm
The Celts put in an optimum performance on a night that Opta stats announced that Celtic now hold the record for first-minute goals in European games.
Tonight’s latest in the 1-0 win over VfB Stuttgart was No. 8 and it came from Luke McCowan after only 29 seconds.
Not only that, it was also the midfielder’s first European strike and it put the Hoops on course for their first ever competitive win in Germany, the only downside being that the Hoops went out on aggregate
McCowan told Celtic TV after the game “I think we kind of lacked that final third pass.
“I’ve know we’ve come away with a victory – you score so early in the match to give yourself a perfect chance to go on and attack the game, and I think we did
“But a couple of wee chances here, a couple of crosses, maybe a couple of corners could have been better from myself, things like that are really critical in these games
‘But we knew if we got the first goal there was always going to be a chance and we did that.’
“And the boys put in an unbelievable performance to keep it and get the win.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/clyz8ej57get#Report
At a glance
Celtic pick up rare away win in Europe but narrow margin not enough to overturn first-leg humbling
Luke McCowan scores after 28 seconds to give Celtic fast start but they fail find another route to goal
Hosts have ball in the net twice but both ruled out
Martin O’Neill makes eight changes ahead of Old Firm on Sunday, but captain Callum McGregor plays full 90 minutes
ByAndrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland
Celtic pulled off a shock but impressive victory against Stuttgart for their first win on German soil, but it was not enough to avoid dropping out of the Europa League knockout play-offs.
Luke McCowan scored after just 28 seconds to give the much-changed visitors a glimmer of hope following last week’s 4-1 defeat.
The hosts did have the ball in the net twice, but both goals were ruled out for offside. The first was scored by Chris Fuhrich, the second by Deniz Undav.
Despite Stuttgart’s second-half siege, Celtic were able to hold on for a morale-boosting win going into a pivotal Old Firm double header.
There were positives to take, though. It was Celtic’s first win in Germany in 17 attempts, while Martin O’Neill was also able to rest plenty of key players ahead of the Old Firm at Ibrox on Sunday.
The clean sheet, kept by back-up goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo with Kasper Schmeichel rested, will offer confidence while up front, the attacking trio of Daizen Maeda, Junior Adamu and McCowan looked threatening.
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Starts don’t get much faster than the one Celtic made in Stuttgart, but for much of the game it seemed more likely that the German hosts would find a leveller and motor away.
By the 25th minute, McCowan’s goal was the only shot Celtic had taken as Stuttgart had made 18 entries into the final third.
Yet by half-time, it was still 1-0 and Celtic’s backline was holding firm.
The second half followed a similar rhythm. Five minutes in, and Celtic had only completed five passes. In the second half, they had just four touches in Stuttgart’s box.
But such was the strength of Scots’ rearguard, O’Neill may well have a headache over his Sunday selections.
Will it be Brentford loanee Ben Arthur or Dane Murray? The latter was impressive on the night and made one superb block that denied Undav from close range.
In goal, will it be under-fire Schmeichel or number two Sinisalo, who kept Celtic in front with numerous saves? Calls for a change between the sticks have been loud from the stands, and will only grow following the Finn’s fine performance.
Up top, will the attacking trio who flourished on the counter – Maeda, McCowan and Adamu – get the nod?
On another night, Maeda might have made it 2-0 within five minutes, but he could not get a touch on Adamu’s cross.
Either way, Celtic will be content with their work. A three-goal win was a distant dream and failing that, they did everything else asked of them.
Now the question is, can they do it on Sunday with league contention on the line? Can they show another performance full of grit and heart at Ibrox?
Only time will tell.
What’s next?
Celtic travel to Ibrox to face Rangers in the Old Firm on Sunday lunch-time (12:00).
Match stats
This is just the eighth game in major European competition history to see the winner in a 1-0 win scored in the first minute, with Celtic also the first side ever to score such a goal via a 1-0 European Cup semi-final win in April 1970 against Leeds.
Celtic have scored in the opening minute of eight major European matches, the most of any side in history.
Luke McCowan is the first Scotsman to score in the first minute of a major European game since Brian McClair for Manchester United against Montpellier in March 1991 in the Cup Winners’ Cup.
Celtic’s opening goal after 28 seconds was the earliest ever conceded by Stuttgart in a major European game.
Celtic’s Callum McGregor made his 68th major European start for the club – just one behind the club record set by their 1967 European Cup winning captain Billy McNeill (69).
Martin O’Neill: Team showed their heart and desire
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/26/martin-o-neill–team-showed-their-heart-and-desire/
First Team
By Joe Sullivan
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26 Feb 2026, 9:00 pm
It was a night when the players gave their all and came away with Celtic’s first ever win on German soil.
That’s a stat, among a couple more, that the manager only found out about in the post-match rinse.
But during the match he did find out about the heart and desire of his players when they showed intent, bravery and no small amount of skill in delivering the win
The Irishman said: “I’ve been delighted with the team, absolutely delighted with the side.
“The fourth goal really deflated us last week, but if we could contest tonight and maybe get an early goal, or at least not concede early on…
“What do we do? Well Luke scored a great goal for us within a minute or two of the game and then we’ve got something to go for.
“Of course, we were going to be under pressure at times in the match, they’re playing at home, they’re a very good side, my view is that they are very capable of winning this competition, they may or may not do that, but they are very capable of winning it.
“But the players showed great determination. At times we played some really nice football as well.
‘I was so proud of the team, so proud of the supporters as well, who kept us going.’
“Overall, it was a brilliant effort, the lads got very tired before the end and we just couldn’t get the ball often enough to press, but overall I couldn’t’ be more pleased.
“Heart and desire is something that, in the scheme of things, is still important.
“Now heart and desire will not win you every single football match, you’ve got to be able to have the ability to get it down, play under pressure, all those things, but it does help when the going gets tough.”
Dane Murray shines in collective effort from the Hoops
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/27/dane-murray-shines-in-collective-effort-from-the-hoops/
First Team
By Joe Sullivan
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27 Feb 2026, 10:15 am
Among the many players who took plaudits from last night’s 1-0 away win over VFB Stuttgart was young centre-back, Dane Murray.
The 22-year-old, like his team-mates, put himself on the line on many occasions as the side fought to keep the clean sheet that was key to the club’s first victory on German soil.
He told Celtic TV following the historic display: “We started brilliantly, the first attack and the ball is in the back of the net.
“We said at the start, the first goal can change the tie, so it’s just about getting that.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the way we wanted it to end, but it was a great performance and great effort from the boys.
“There’s always a hunger, no matter the game, we’re always putting our bodies on the line and luckily tonight we just managed to get in the way of them.”
He was also one of a raft of players in the game who aren’t mainstay starters for the Hoops, and they all collectively shone on the night.
Murray said: “It’s the same for everybody, when an opportunity arises you want to try and do your best, and luckily tonight I think I did alright.
‘We’re happy with the performance tonight, but when you exit a competition it’s never nice, so we’re proud of tonight and we go on to Sunday.’
“We go on to Sunday with confidence, so we’ll go in there and do our best.”